Social media has changed the way we do business. But not just in a fancy, trend-following way, people are making real money from it and if you’re running a business in Nigeria today, especially in places like Lagos or Abuja where competition is fierce, using platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok isn’t just a good idea, it’s a business growth strategy.
Truth is, your customers are already online, scrolling. The question now is; are they seeing you in a way that makes them stop, trust, and eventually buy? Let’s see 5 smart, practical ways you can use Reels and TikTok to sell faster, whether you’re offering products or services.
1. Show What You Sell in Action
People don’t just want to hear about your product, they want to see it in action, in real life and in different settings. This applies to everything from fashion and food to real estate and consulting services.
If you sell clothes, don’t just post photos, create Reels of people wearing them. If you’re a baker, show that cake being sliced. If you offer services, share before-and-after videos, or short clips of you working. People trust what they see. And videos build that trust faster than static images.
Pro Tip: Start your Reel or TikTok with something eye-catching in the first 2 seconds (that’s all the time you have before someone scrolls away).
2. Use Behind-the-Scenes to Build Connection
You don’t need to be perfect, you need to be real. A short clip of how you package orders, respond to customers, or prep for a client meeting can work wonders.
Behind-the-scenes content feels authentic. It shows people that there’s a human behind the brand. And in a market where many are afraid of being scammed or disappointed, showing the process helps them feel safe with you.
You can film simple content like:
- You arranging your products in the morning
- How you wrap and deliver packages
- Your face reacting to a new order
- Day-in-the-life as a service provider
This kind of content connects emotionally, and emotional connection leads to loyal customers.
3. Use Testimonials & Reviews Creatively
Instead of just posting reviews as text, turn them into short, engaging videos. This could be:
A happy customer using your product and tagging you
A video montage of WhatsApp reviews with background music
A dramatic voice-over reading a customer review while showing product visuals
When people see others buying from you and being satisfied, it helps them make up their mind faster. Nigerian customers are cautious. Seeing reviews in video form gives them the extra assurance they need to click that “buy” or “DM to order” button.
4. Jump on Trending Sounds, But Keep It Relevant
Reels and TikTok are built around trends. When you use trending audio or video styles and add your product/service twist, you tap into a much wider audience. You don’t have to dance or be dramatic if that’s not your style. Even a simple lip-sync or popular song with your product in the background can catch attention.
Example: A trending sound like “I don’t know who needs to hear this but…” can turn into:
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your skincare business needs branding. Let us help you fix it.”
That’s simple. That’s relatable and it works. The algorithm loves trends, but your audience loves clarity. Combine both.
5. Add Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
This is where many people miss it. They post a great video, get views and likes… but no one buys. Why? Because they didn’t tell people what to do next.
At the end of your video or in your caption, always include a simple CTA like:
“Click the link in bio to shop”
“Send a DM to place your order”
“Comment ‘info’ and we’ll send you details”
“Visit our website to book a consultation”
Don’t assume people will figure it out. Make it so easy that they don’t even have to think. Also, repeat the CTA visually and verbally when you can. Add it as text on screen, say it out loud, or flash it at the end of the video. The more you guide your viewer, the easier it is for them to take action.
Conclusion
You don’t need to go viral to get sales. You just need to be clear, consistent, and relatable. Your potential customers are online right now. So, show up the right way.
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